R&A: Green speeds shouldn't be an issue Friday

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GULLANE, Scotland – The R&A says there should be a fair, balanced draw at this year’s Open Championship.

On Friday morning, the setup crew released a statement saying the greens at Muirfield were hand-watered but the sprinkler system was not used.

The greens were double-cut, to 4 mm, and the greens Friday morning will run 10 ½ on the Stimpmeter as opposed to 11 on Thursday morning.

The greens are expected to pick up pace as the afternoon progresses but, the R&A said, “The dramatic increases of yesterday are not anticipated.” The wind is expected to blow 8-15 mph.

On Thursday, several players complained that the greens got out of control late in the afternoon. Several hole locations were inaccessible, even with a wedge, and the grass around the cups became “glassy.”